Our aim with Out & About is to highlight that there are some cool, unique and even random happenings for you to enjoy with the kids. The crew at Chalkboard Living love the month of June because it marks the start of summer. It’s also when we get to enjoy the longest daylight hours and more daylight hours equals more time for fun (kids and adults alike!). With this in mind, here are seven ways to treat the family during these early days of summer. And why “seven”, you might ask? Well, why not? We like to be different!
Click below to check out all the events.
1. Time Travellers Go…Royal Eltham Palace & Gardens, London, 3 – 6 June 2012
There is a bit of Royal theme to June isn’t there! But if you want to avoid the hullabaloo of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations but are still keen to be in London to soak up the atmosphere, this day out might just be for you. Time Travellers is a special events club run by English Heritage allowing kids to explore history in a fun way. At Time Travellers Go…Royal the young ones can enjoy games and crafts, meet royal characters from the past and see if they have what it takes to join the ranks of royalty. Eltham Palace with it’s Art Deco interior is also worth a look. Pack a picnic, as the gardens are beautiful too. Image via English Heritage
2. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Kensington Gardens, London, May to September, 2012
Can you think of a nicer summer experience than outdoor theatre? Throughout June, take the little ones on a journey through C.S. Lewis’ enchanting land of Narnia. Said to “combine live theatre and breathtaking special effects,” this threesixty theatre production is certain to keep the kids enthralled (big kids, too!) There are plenty of timing options to suit individual family needs including lunchtime, matinee and evening performances. For more details on tickets and availability, visit the official website LionWitchTheShow. And with Kensington Gardens as the venue, make a day of it and visit the Diana Memorial Playground, too. Image via Britain Magazine
3. Christian Louboutin Exhibition and ‘Hat Tricks’ Design and Make Workshop The Design Museum, Shad Thames, London, SE1, 1May – 9 July
Ok, so perhaps this exhibition is more for the mama’s! However, the Design Museum does have something to offer children too. So, whilst you’re browsing the stylish, glamorous and wholly feminine shoe artistry of Monsieur Louboutin (as well as The Fetish Room which definitely isn’t suitable for young eyes!), send your other half off with the kids on a Family Trail to discover all that the museum has to offer. Alternatively mini fashionista’s aged between 5 and 11 can take part in the ‘Hat Tricks’ Design and Make Workshop on Sunday 10th June. Booking is essential for the two and a half hour workshop and all children require an accompanying adult (i.e Dad!). For more information and to book tickets, visit the Design Museum online by clicking on any of the links above. We think it’s a winning combination! Image via Christian Louboutin
4. BeWILDerDAD’s Day BeWILDerwood, Hoveton, Norfolk, 17 June 2012
We can’t let June pass without a mention of British Fathers Day. If you fancy marking the occasion in a more unusual way, spend the day at BeWILDerwood when they celebrate BeWILDerDads Day! Based on the books of Tom Blofeld, you can enter this curious world with intriguing characters to experience zip wires, tree houses, rope bridges, a maze, slippery slopes, storytelling, boat rides, den building and much, much more. On Fathers Day, Dad’s enter free and the kids can get creative and make a badge and a card for Dad to keep as a memento of the day. And we speak from recent experience when recommending BeWILDerwood. Some of the Chalkboard team visited in April and loved every second!
My daughter Mia said she really enjoyed the Muddled Maze and the Wobbly Wires, seeing the Twiggle and Boggle homes and Mildred the Crocklebog in the water when we were on the boat. It made her jump!
Tip: Get them involved early by asking Dad to read “A Boggle at Bewilderwood” to the kids before visiting.
5. E4 UdderBelly Comedy Festival Southbank Centre, London, Now – 8 July
Kids love to laugh, don’t they. And nothing can put a smile on your face faster than hearing your little ones laugh out loud. So, why not introduce your kids to comedy done properly. In collaboration with the Southbank Centre, UdderBelly offers an eclectic collection of comedy acts, family shows, music and cabaret. The festival programme is wide and varied with productions for both a young and adult audience. During June kids can enjoy the Comedy Club 4 Kids (suitable for 6+), The Girl With The Iron Claw (suitable for 8+), This Is A That (suitable for the whole family) and Claytime (suitable for 3+). All events must be pre-booked and last for 60 minutes. They also take place in an upside down purple cow venue, which we think sounds rather intriguing! Image from Underbelly
6. Wychwood Festival Cheltenham Racecourse, 8-10 June 2012
Set in the grounds of the Cheltenham racecourse, this festival is known for it’s family friendly atmosphere. Wall-to-wall music fills the three-day event from the likes of James, The Saw Doctors, Bellowhead, The Damned, The Cuban Brothers, Dr and the Medics and many more. Alongside the packed musical line-up is a great variety of activities for kids. These include workshops for all ages, a special toddler’s area, some CBeebies favourites, storytelling and crafts from the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre and a children’s literature festival including many popular children’s book authors. Plenty to pack in, don’t you think! Tickets are still available for this weekend long event. Prices vary depending on the ticket type, but under 5’s are free. http://www.wychwoodfestival.com/ Image from Wychwood Festival
7. Greenwich Fair (part of the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival) Old Royal Naval College, London, SE10, 23 – 24 June 2012
The Greenwich Fair boasts two days of the very best in British and international street arts. Set in the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, the event combines a free and fun-packed schedule of family-friendly activities including outdoor arts, sideshows and games. Pack a picnic and make it a family day out. http://www.festival.org Image from festival.org
So do you fancy any of that?
This month I’m taking my family to visit Peppa Pig at Paultons Park! Did you know there is a Peppa’s Magic Camera app for tablet and mobile? It doesn’t serve a great deal of purpose but it gets the kids hyped! :https://paultonspark.co.uk/peppacamera
Whatever you’re doing, have a great month.
Caroline
Tracey, Love the design and content of your blog – totally inspiring! Beautiful photos and great ideas, will definitely keep following you, and very happy to be your first comment. Amy x
Hi just wanted to check out your blog and say hi! I love everything about it from the name to the look and feel! Toni BYW
Thanks Amy and Toni. I hope it just gets better and better for you! x
Finally something to get really excited about! Thank you Tracy some fantastic inspiration! Loving the Out & About feature too. Siobhan